CIty Council Member, 4th District

The Honorable CURTIS JONES, JR. represents the 4th District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which includes the sections of Overbrook, Manayunk, BelmontVillage, Wynnefield, EastFalls, Allegheny West and Roxborough. Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. consistent and dedicated approach has earned him the trust, loyalty and…

Bio

The Honorable CURTIS JONES, JR. represents the 4th District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which includes the sections of Overbrook, Manayunk, BelmontVillage, Wynnefield, EastFalls, Allegheny West and Roxborough. Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. consistent and dedicated approach has earned him the trust, loyalty and respect of both his constituents as well as his peers as he was unanimously elected Majority Leader January 2, 2012. Currently in his 2nd term Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. is the Chair of Public Safety and Vice Chairman to the Committees of Park, Recreation & Cultural Affairs and Appropriations.

Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. is a champion for education, an ally for criminal justice and a friend of the environment. His notable legislation includes the Philadelphia Mortgage Diversion Program, which prevented thousands of residents from losing their homes, along with a second moratorium on Sheriff Sales during the month of January 2011 to further protect, preserve and defend the homes of Philadelphians. The Philadelphia Internship Tax Credit, which will allow high school, college, and vocational students in our City to receive a stipend for their work. Councilman Jones, Jr. has collaborated with both District Attorney Seth Williams and Mayor Michael Nutter for the Witness Intimidation Law, which emphasizes the importance of eyewitness testimony in the justice system and a renewed commitment to protecting those who courageously step forward to report crime. Councilman Jones, Jr. authored law for 5% of the City’s annual Community Development Block Grant for the usage of Mixed-Use Property financing.

In addition, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. and the Office of Housing and Community Development launched a $1 million pilot project for mixed-use developments all in his 1st term. Councilman Jones established the Roxborough Environmental Control District to preserve the historic Manatawna Farm, wildlife habitat, and greenspace in Roxborough and is the City’s leading advocate for the environmental and economic impacts of Marcellus Shale onto Philadelphia.

A noted expert on community-based economic development, Councilman Jones has served in various public and private sector positions for more than two decades. Under his leadership, minority, women and disabled business entities have received more than five hundred and eighty-three million ($583,000,000) in municipal contract opportunities. Councilman Jones has served on numerous boards and executive committees including the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority’s Minority Advisory Committee, Genesis II Board of Directors, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau Minority Advisory Council, the Please Touch Museum, the Mann Music Center, and as a Philadelphia Gas Commissioner.

Councilman Jones has lectured extensively on economics and community development. He has appeared on various local and national television and radio programs and previously hosted “Handling Your Business”™ a weekly television and radio show which aired throughout the region. As a result of his numerous years of experience in the Philadelphia commerce landscape, Councilman Jones has become one of City Council’s most formidable advocates for community development and educational stability. A recipient of numerous community and industry awards, Councilman Jones, is one of Overbrook High School’s accomplished graduates. He has furthered his scholastic achievements by attending the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels School of Government, completing studies at Boston University’s A.C.C.A. program, and receiving a Master’s certificate in Contract Compliance in conjunction with the University of Alabama.

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission approved the creation of the Central Roxborough Neighborhood Conservation Overlay, just the second neighborhood in Philadelphia to have regulations protecting its small-town character. The ordinance…